QUIZ: Test your knowledge of Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a health concern for outdoor workers in multiple areas of the country. Employees in construction, oil drilling, landscaping, forestry, land surveying, utilities, farming, and many other industries may be exposed to increased risk.

The following quiz is based on information outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). To test your basic knowledge of Lyme disease and how to prevent it, answer the questions below, consult the answer key, and award yourself one point for each correct answer. Then check to see how you scored!

1. Areas of the United States at high or moderate risk of Lyme disease include all of the following EXCEPT: a. Several counties in the Northeast b. Part of Northern California c. The entire state of Idaho d. Areas surrounding the Great Lakes

2. To determine Lyme disease risk in an area, employers can: a. Inquire with local and state health departments b. Visit a local library to research previous studies c. Count the number of employees who contract Lyme disease d. See how easily workers can attract ticks

3. Lyme disease: a. Is spread by certain types of ticks b. Is caused by bacteria found in the gut of some ticks c. May be transmitted when infected ticks attach to the skin and feed d. All of the above

4. All of the following are symptoms of Lyme disease EXCEPT: a. A rash in the shape of a “bulls-eye” b. Fever and swollen lymph nodes c. Peeling skin and glazed eyes d. Fatigue, stiff neck, and achy joints and muscles

6. Outdoor workers can reduce their risk of Lyme disease by doing all of the following EXCEPT: a. Staying away from tick habitats like wooded or grassy areas b. Removing tall grass, leaves, and brush from work areas c. Reducing the number of breaks taken during the workday d. Applying the appropriate repellent to non-facial areas of the skin

8. To reduce the risk of tick bites, employees should wear: a. Hats b. Protective clothing like coveralls or long-sleeved shirts and pants c. High boots or closed shoes that cover the whole foot d. All of the above

9. Another way to reduce the risk of being bitten by a tick is: a. Applying permethrin to clothing and appropriate repellants to skin b. Spraying skin heavily with cologne or perfume c. Speaking in a loud voice throughout the work day d. Drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages

10. To decrease their chance of Lyme disease, after performing outside work, employees should do all of the following EXCEPT: a. Take a shower b. Check their body for ticks, removing any they find with tweezers and cleansing the area with antiseptic c. Go to sleep immediately d. Wash and dry clothing in hot temperatures